KotaRT
02-26-2013, 10:38 AM
2003 Dakota R/T CC
Brief history and reason for the build:
Purchased the truck in a last minute decision after losing my first truck to a drunk driver. Since then, it has been extremely reliable and I have had a lot of great memories with it. My reason for doing this build is I would like to have some fun since I am burdened with driving to work everyday and 500 miles to get home on the weekends. Also, the majority of the parts I am replacing have some sort of malfuction or are damaged/needing replacement. Plus, I think getting some information out to the newer guys about simple bolt on's, tunes, etc could help them determine what they want to do with their trucks!
BEFORE PICTURES
Day 1:
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0532.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0534.jpg
Here is how she currently sits:
New SS Roll pan, Undercover bed cover, stock tailights, slight tint and other minor modifications.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0728.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1069_zps26fe9518.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/671A7D99-1453-4764-B140-F0840678D6C2-1394-00000245A71FE232_zps3e3852ad.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1077_zps83da2404.jpg
[U]Update (26 March 2013):
While I was home on the weekend a few weeks back, I found what appeared to be a snap ring in the transmission pan. I had my truck parked and the transmission has since been rebuilt by a local source who built Top Dragster transmissions for my father, when he used to race.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/5B274912-B244-47FC-980F-5E59B87BA5FB-4738-00000742F035655E_zps1b0388eb.jpg
Update (6 May 2013):
Transmission that was rebuilt is running extremely well. Excellent shifts.
I tried to install my spintech exhaust, but ran into some clearance and fit issues.
Warning: Do NOT try to install true duals without; welder, torch, mallets/hammers, etc...you see what I'm getting at.
Also, my LM2 O2 sensor port broke as soon as I tried to plug my O2 sensor in..... :fml:
Here are some pictures/videos....
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1289_zps0a36665b.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1289_zps0a36665b.jpg.html)
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1294_zps630d412d.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1294_zps630d412d.jpg.html)
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1312_zpsde49736d.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1312_zpsde49736d.jpg.html)
Here is a video of what the setup (as shown above), sounds like. Yes I am aware of the CEL as well as the oil pressure gauge. This is just headers and down pipes.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/th_49834420-23E4-4DDD-A85D-83F23A65342C-4941-000007DBEB7A27E4_zps473dabaa.jpg (http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/49834420-23E4-4DDD-A85D-83F23A65342C-4941-000007DBEB7A27E4_zps473dabaa.mp4)
Update (22 May 2013):
Left my truck home, at a shop with the remaining spintech pieces that would not properly fit without special tools, or heat etc.
Overall, this 3" true dual system is a great setup. There were some mistakes and flaws I noticed during this installation.
Make sure you understand, when buying a "kit" like this, not everything will fit 100% properly. You may need to do some minor adjustments.
The first problem I had was the clearance with the headers. Most people I asked simply bolted on the headers and had no issues. I had to make further indentions with my headers in order to even get them to slide up to the exhaust ports from underneath the truck. (Take note, I also installed 1 piece port plates, which I believe are thicker.) After I got the headers on I had to unbolt the steering shaft. I was not able to turn my wheel, so I made further indentions in the headers using a wood block and a hammer. So far, the gaskets have held well, though I suggest getting locking collector bolts.
The down pipes were very well made, and I only have a few complaints about them. The first is that, you will need O2 wire extensions. This isn't really too much of a problem, it's somewhat expected. If you want bigger, better exhaust, you will need longer wires. MAKE SURE you get the correct O2 sensors. I had a hell of a time with advanced auto, trying to get the right ones. Another problem I had, was that the down pipes were not able to be properly placed, so that they could attach to the X pipe. I had to have a 3-4" extension, welded onto the driver side pipe. Also, the driver side pipe had to be heated and bent away from the passenger side pipe, since I only had less than an inch between the 2 separate pipes.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/E86B57F9-1A5F-49EC-94DE-21572C3EF352-5210-000008176F8D98D0_zps7691168f.jpg
Once the rest of the kit was installed, the only piece left that I did not install was the exhaust tips. According to the rep I spoke with at spintech, lots of people were having trouble with the clamps coming loose and allowing the tips to fall off. Therefore I had my tips spot welded on. I also noticed a clamp on the muffler was loose, so I went ahead and had the post muffler pipes spot welded on as well.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/76C3D83B-84E0-4BDF-A2B2-42191581AA4D-13263-0000172548715821_zps497bbd04.jpg
The actual tips that are visable were coated, and will obviously be exposed to the elements. The coating on them was very bad, at best. Also, there are still scrapes that were left on my tips from the bending. Which wouldn't normally be a problem, but this is the part of my exhaust people would see.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/B1EAFF5E-9442-40B8-887B-D05599DD0B7C-13263-00001725655E4497_zps1e1d5f12.jpg
Final Product (with sound test):
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/4C7CFF51-7456-43CC-B02C-3AA0CD624848-13263-00001725EDEF493A_zpsf4fbe5a1.mp4
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/26343860-A6DA-4529-BCDB-704CB959EB7F-13263-000017251EF93C80_zps934091fe.jpg
The main points of this review:
-Great exhaust kit
-Poor Spintech Customer service (once you buy it, don't expect help or understanding)
-GREAT sound
-Some "massaging" is necessary
-Could be a very simple process if you get a muffler shop to install. (unless you have the proper equipment)
Overall I am very happy with this kit, though the customer service I experienced sucked. I would not buy from them again. Next time, I plan on doing my own custom kit, including headers.
Current Mods (Installed):
MP Air Cleaner
D.U.I. Dodge Truck Ignition w/ Screamin Demon Coil
SCT Tuned (FlyinRyan)
4bbl M1 w/ 2bbl Adapter
52mm F&B TB
Spintech Mid Length Headers
Spintech 3" True Dual Exhaust w/ Cats
Freshly Rebuilt Transmission
255/50/17 Riken Raptors
Undercover Bed Cover
SS Roll Pan
4.56 Gears
Detroit Locker
-------------------------------------
Future Mods:
AAR Cowl Hood
X-Brace w/both loops
2800 Stall
14x3 K&N w/Airbox
Brief history and reason for the build:
Purchased the truck in a last minute decision after losing my first truck to a drunk driver. Since then, it has been extremely reliable and I have had a lot of great memories with it. My reason for doing this build is I would like to have some fun since I am burdened with driving to work everyday and 500 miles to get home on the weekends. Also, the majority of the parts I am replacing have some sort of malfuction or are damaged/needing replacement. Plus, I think getting some information out to the newer guys about simple bolt on's, tunes, etc could help them determine what they want to do with their trucks!
BEFORE PICTURES
Day 1:
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0532.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0534.jpg
Here is how she currently sits:
New SS Roll pan, Undercover bed cover, stock tailights, slight tint and other minor modifications.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0728.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1069_zps26fe9518.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/671A7D99-1453-4764-B140-F0840678D6C2-1394-00000245A71FE232_zps3e3852ad.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1077_zps83da2404.jpg
[U]Update (26 March 2013):
While I was home on the weekend a few weeks back, I found what appeared to be a snap ring in the transmission pan. I had my truck parked and the transmission has since been rebuilt by a local source who built Top Dragster transmissions for my father, when he used to race.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/5B274912-B244-47FC-980F-5E59B87BA5FB-4738-00000742F035655E_zps1b0388eb.jpg
Update (6 May 2013):
Transmission that was rebuilt is running extremely well. Excellent shifts.
I tried to install my spintech exhaust, but ran into some clearance and fit issues.
Warning: Do NOT try to install true duals without; welder, torch, mallets/hammers, etc...you see what I'm getting at.
Also, my LM2 O2 sensor port broke as soon as I tried to plug my O2 sensor in..... :fml:
Here are some pictures/videos....
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1289_zps0a36665b.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1289_zps0a36665b.jpg.html)
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1294_zps630d412d.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1294_zps630d412d.jpg.html)
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1312_zpsde49736d.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1312_zpsde49736d.jpg.html)
Here is a video of what the setup (as shown above), sounds like. Yes I am aware of the CEL as well as the oil pressure gauge. This is just headers and down pipes.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/th_49834420-23E4-4DDD-A85D-83F23A65342C-4941-000007DBEB7A27E4_zps473dabaa.jpg (http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/49834420-23E4-4DDD-A85D-83F23A65342C-4941-000007DBEB7A27E4_zps473dabaa.mp4)
Update (22 May 2013):
Left my truck home, at a shop with the remaining spintech pieces that would not properly fit without special tools, or heat etc.
Overall, this 3" true dual system is a great setup. There were some mistakes and flaws I noticed during this installation.
Make sure you understand, when buying a "kit" like this, not everything will fit 100% properly. You may need to do some minor adjustments.
The first problem I had was the clearance with the headers. Most people I asked simply bolted on the headers and had no issues. I had to make further indentions with my headers in order to even get them to slide up to the exhaust ports from underneath the truck. (Take note, I also installed 1 piece port plates, which I believe are thicker.) After I got the headers on I had to unbolt the steering shaft. I was not able to turn my wheel, so I made further indentions in the headers using a wood block and a hammer. So far, the gaskets have held well, though I suggest getting locking collector bolts.
The down pipes were very well made, and I only have a few complaints about them. The first is that, you will need O2 wire extensions. This isn't really too much of a problem, it's somewhat expected. If you want bigger, better exhaust, you will need longer wires. MAKE SURE you get the correct O2 sensors. I had a hell of a time with advanced auto, trying to get the right ones. Another problem I had, was that the down pipes were not able to be properly placed, so that they could attach to the X pipe. I had to have a 3-4" extension, welded onto the driver side pipe. Also, the driver side pipe had to be heated and bent away from the passenger side pipe, since I only had less than an inch between the 2 separate pipes.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/E86B57F9-1A5F-49EC-94DE-21572C3EF352-5210-000008176F8D98D0_zps7691168f.jpg
Once the rest of the kit was installed, the only piece left that I did not install was the exhaust tips. According to the rep I spoke with at spintech, lots of people were having trouble with the clamps coming loose and allowing the tips to fall off. Therefore I had my tips spot welded on. I also noticed a clamp on the muffler was loose, so I went ahead and had the post muffler pipes spot welded on as well.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/76C3D83B-84E0-4BDF-A2B2-42191581AA4D-13263-0000172548715821_zps497bbd04.jpg
The actual tips that are visable were coated, and will obviously be exposed to the elements. The coating on them was very bad, at best. Also, there are still scrapes that were left on my tips from the bending. Which wouldn't normally be a problem, but this is the part of my exhaust people would see.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/B1EAFF5E-9442-40B8-887B-D05599DD0B7C-13263-00001725655E4497_zps1e1d5f12.jpg
Final Product (with sound test):
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/4C7CFF51-7456-43CC-B02C-3AA0CD624848-13263-00001725EDEF493A_zpsf4fbe5a1.mp4
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/26343860-A6DA-4529-BCDB-704CB959EB7F-13263-000017251EF93C80_zps934091fe.jpg
The main points of this review:
-Great exhaust kit
-Poor Spintech Customer service (once you buy it, don't expect help or understanding)
-GREAT sound
-Some "massaging" is necessary
-Could be a very simple process if you get a muffler shop to install. (unless you have the proper equipment)
Overall I am very happy with this kit, though the customer service I experienced sucked. I would not buy from them again. Next time, I plan on doing my own custom kit, including headers.
Current Mods (Installed):
MP Air Cleaner
D.U.I. Dodge Truck Ignition w/ Screamin Demon Coil
SCT Tuned (FlyinRyan)
4bbl M1 w/ 2bbl Adapter
52mm F&B TB
Spintech Mid Length Headers
Spintech 3" True Dual Exhaust w/ Cats
Freshly Rebuilt Transmission
255/50/17 Riken Raptors
Undercover Bed Cover
SS Roll Pan
4.56 Gears
Detroit Locker
-------------------------------------
Future Mods:
AAR Cowl Hood
X-Brace w/both loops
2800 Stall
14x3 K&N w/Airbox